ABOUT THE WATERSHED COUNCIL

• Are you concerned about the fire hazard in your neighborhood?

• Would you like to see healthy fish populations in our local streams?

• Are you concerned about irrigation, water storage, or adequate streamflows?

• Do you want to improve the quality of water in our local streams?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be interested in getting involved with the Seven Basins Watershed Council (SBWC). We are a group of your neighbors who have come together to improve conditions in our own backyards. We are concerned with the health of our watershed and the impact it has on our lives. We try to represent community concerns and find a way to work together to help.

The Seven Basins watershed includes a large area of land draining into the Rogue River. Sams Valley, Galls, Foots, and Birdseye Creeks, Sardine Creek, Evans Valley, and all the drainages that flow into Evans Creek are part of the Seven Basins Watershed (see map).

As a council, we hope to reduce fire hazards in our community. We would like to improve conditions in streams, for fish and other stream life, as well as our own needs. We want to serve as a forum for community members to bring forward concerns related to our watershed. We represent diverse interests and viewpoints, as well as most geographic areas of the watershed. We are not a group of "extremists" bent on dictating what others do. We can not regulate and we do not "turn people in". We are one of eight watershed councils in the Rogue Basin, with a purpose similar to the others, but our own unique identity.

One of the things a watershed council can do is tap into resources that we can not as individuals. Access to grant money and cooperative efforts with local, state and federal agencies are two examples of how we hope to make a difference. The community fire planning project is an example of just that.

The state of Oregon provides financial assistance to watershed councils through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). OWEB not only provides funding for projects, but also for operational expenses. The funding cycle begins in July of every other year (biennium). We count on OWEB funds for a paid "coordinator" or staff person. Otherwise we are an all volunteer organization. OWEB gets its funding from Oregon Lottery revenues and other sources including salmon license plate revenues, federal salmon funds, and funds that come from the purchase of "salmon-friendly" power.

In 1998, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure that set aside 15 percent of all lottery revenues for restoring Oregon's salmon, watersheds, and state parks. Under the program, half of these funds are used to enhance watersheds and salmon habitat.

Before we can do actual projects we have to complete an assessment of the watershed. This is an inventory of current conditions and what is known about them. With the help of a contractor to do the research, we find out what data exists and what doesn't. With your help we will be deciding what our priorities are for improving conditions in matters such as fish passage, water quality and forest health. One of our big concerns is fire hazard which is why we are organizing a community fire planning project.

The SBWC has monthly board meetings on the third Tues. of the month from 7 to 9 pm at the Gold Hill library. These meetings are open to the public and we would love to have you join us. Everyone is welcome to participate in the meetings. We often have guest speakers and presentations, so please come and learn right along with us.

Any "stakeholder" is eligible to join the SBWC as a general member and is eligible to serve on the board. A stakeholder is defined as anyone who lives, works or owns property in our watershed. The only other requirement is to attend one meeting, fill out a membership form and pay the annual dues of $12. If you would like more information please call David Kizer, Admin Assistant, 541-830-0260, or come to a meeting.

 

| PRIVACY |

©2003-2004 Seven Basins Watershed Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 909, Gold Hill, OR 97525
Ph (541) 261-7796 ; Fax (541) 830-0261
contact@sevenbasins.org
Site hosted by HostingDNA, Rogue River, OR